New Berlin City Employee Awarded 23rd Annual John W. Bauer Award

NEW BERLIN, WI — Mayor Dave Ament on Tuesday surprised city employee, Barbara Draeger, with the 23rd Annual John W. Bauer Award for Municipal Excellence. Barb Draeger has served the New Berlin Public Library for over 38 years, according to a news release.

Barbara began her career at the New Berlin Library originally located on Cleveland Avenue. She has been an integral part of the physical and technological transformation of the New Berlin Public Library. Barb participated in the move to the current library location, managed remodeling and repair projects and has continually improved services to patrons, according to a news release.

She has always welcomed a challenge, and her commitment to the library has been consistent throughout the years.

Barb began her career as a reference librarian, and has now served as New Berlin’s Library Director for over 6 years.

Her leadership skills are evident by the respect she has earned from her supervisory team and other staff members, the release said.

During her tenure, circulation and visits to the library have continually increased and she has supported innovative programming, system updates and technological advancement. It is through her efforts that the New Berlin Public Library is considered one of the highest performing libraries in the Bridges Library System, the relelase said.

The pandemic presented a unique set of challenges for the library. Barb’s prompt implementation of safety protocols was second to none. Her desire to keep library services available to the community was always her utmost concern, second only to the safety of her staff, patrons and volunteers.

“Barb’s dedication and allegiance to the library have been evident throughout the decades,” stated Mayor Dave Ament in a news release. Her leadership is evident in the professionalism and friendliness of her library staff. The New Berlin Public Library is a welcoming reprieve for this community....all thanks to her hard work and commitment. She has been the driving force behind the successful operation of our fine library and we are proud to have Barb amongst our ranks.”